Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV Redesigned After Eight Years

Auto industry insiders report that after an initial run of nearly 620,000 units in eight years, the Mercedes M-Class Sport Utlility Vehicle is undergoing design changes for its new release in 2005. Considered a true second generation, the M-Class receives a complete redesign inside and out.

The vehicle body is 150 mm longer, 71 mm wider and 5 mm lower, while the wheelbase has also grown by 95 mm. The expanded size creates a larger, more comfortable cabin, with electrically adjustable seats and a more-cushioned 60/40 split rear seat and significantly more cargo space.

Three of the four engines available are also new this year, improving the torque and horsepower of the previous power plants by as much as 38%. A Mercedes-Benz M-Class V6 diesel is now available with either 190 or 224 horsepower.

Nissan Xterra Earns 2005 Active Lifestyle Best Value Vehicle of the Year Award

A team of panelists has chosen the Nissan Xterra as the 2005 Active Lifestyle Best Value Vehicle of the Year. The all-new Xterra SUV now has the same 4 liter, V6 engine as the new Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier and Titan truck. It comes with a choice of either 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 265 horsepower with 284 lbs-ft. of torque. The 2005 Xterra is offered in 2X4 or 4X4 configurations and three trim levels: S, SE and Off-Road.

The off-road package includes Bilstein shocks and springs, skid plates, special wheels and offroad-trail tires, an electronic locking rear differential, special trim and upholstery. Hill start assist and hill descent control, standard on the Off-Road edition, work to prevent slipping on technical off road ascents. A longer wheelbase gives the new model a larger interior. The new Xterra is also available with washable seat covers. A two-channel luggage system in the rear cargo box area incorporates tie-down hooks in the floor and ceiling. Cargo nets to both sides secure smaller items. There is also storage space under the cargo floor. The rear seats fold flat to increase the length of the load floor when necessary, and a first aid kit stows neatly into a provided space in the tailgate. The standard Nissan Xterra roof rack now includes a gear basket with latching or removable lid, allowing users to store gear. New bumper side steps improve access to the roof. Side step rails are standard on the SE model and optional on other grades.

Stadium-style seating gives rear passengers a better view to the outside. The seats are well-designed from an ergonomic stance, with active headrests to protect against whiplash and standard lumbar and height adjustment for the driver. The 2005 4X4 Off-Road Xterra has 9.5 inches of clearance from the ground, allowing the SUV to ascend and descend steep hills. The chassis was designed with a clean underside to prevent damage from rocks and roots on offroad trails. Safety features include a tire pressure monitoring system and front airbags. Side and side-curtain airbags are available as an option.

Land Rover LR3 Earns 2005 Active Lifestyle Luxury Vehicle of the Year

A team of panelists recently selected the Land Rover LR3, which replaces the Land Rover Discovery, to be the 2005 Active Lifestyle Luxury Vehicle of the Year. One of Land Rover's most powerful models ever built, the LR3 includes a new 4.4-liter engine, which is based on the Jaguar 4.2-liter V-8 engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. An innovative terrain response system allows drivers to modify the car’s suspension, throttle map, traction control and vehicle height to fit the terrain. The driver uses a rotary dial on the center console to choose one of five settings: mud and ruts, slippery conditions, general driving, sand or rock crawl.

The Land Rover LR3 has a weatherproof chassis that is engineered to navigate through deep standing water escaping damage to the engine or electronic components. Wheel travel of just over 10 inches in front and 13 inches in the rear allows the wheels to maintain contact with the ground on extremely uneven terrain. Electronic traction and dynamic stability control, as well as antilock braking, keep the vehicle from skidding. An electronic parking brake, applied by using a switch on the center console, holds the vehicle in place and automatically disengages as soon as the driver steps on the gas.

The LR3 is available in both five and seven seat variations. On the seven-seat model, both second- and third-row seats fold flat into the floor without removing the headrests when transporting gear in the rear cargo box area. The asymmetrical tailgate design puts the release lever easily within reach. The LR3 comes with standard Land Rover roof rack side rails and optional factory cross bars, and can easily tow a trailer.

Theater-style seating provides all passengers with a good view of the surroundings, while the standard sunroof and rear glass panel allows ample light into the interior. The premium model comes standard with a navigation system for both on and offroad navigating and mapping. Standard safety features include traction control, antilock braking, front, side and side-curtain airbags. The LandRover LR3 begins at $44,995 for the SE model and $49,995 for the HSE premium model.

2005 Nissan Xterra Production Begins

Nissan North America, Inc. reported that the first 2005 Nissan Xterra has rolled off the assembly line, the latest in a series of three truck-based Nissan products that have been significantly redesigned for the 2005 model year. "Our company's product revival began with our 1999 launch of this innovative SUV," stated Dan Gaudette, senior VP of North American Manufacturing and Quality Assurance for Nissan North America, Inc. "With this second generation, we've added more power, room and utility, something our consumers have said they wanted. Nissan Xterra customers - be they on-road or off-road enthusiasts - will not be disappointed in the evolution of this product."

Company spokesmen revealed the 2005 Xterra SUV will be offered in both 4WD and 2WD options and an optional enhanced off-road system. The vehicle is built on Nissan's new "F-Alpha" platform, a modified platform design used in the Titan pick-up truck and Frontier midsize trucks, the Nissan Armada and the Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicles.

With enhanced ground clearance, the 2005 Xterra comes in a fully boxed, all-steel clad ladder frame, a steel double-wishbone front suspension that includes a stabilizer bar and rigid leaf spring rear suspension. Features of the interior include more room in front and rear seating areas with added head room. It also has a cargo box system that is similar to the Nissan Titan and Nissan Frontier trucks, which is an adjustable channel Utili-track System making it easier to secure bike racks, gear and other accessories. The prominent over-sized bars of the Nissa Xterra roof rack have been included in this year's redesign as well.

Under the hood of the 2005 Nissan Xterra runs is a 4.0 liter DOHC V6 engine, rated at 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft torque. The engine is standard in all three models offered; the S, Off-road and SE. The 2005 Xterra's powertrain features a longer stroke specifically tuned for SUV and truck applications. The powertrain is based on the award-winning Nissan VQ engine series, which is also in the Nissan Maxima, Nissan 350Z and Altima sedans, and the Nissan Murano crossover vehicle.

Nissan is reported to have invested more than $4.2 billion in its three U.S. manufacturing facilities, which assemble the Xterra, Maxima, Altima, Frontier pickup truck, Pathfinder SUV, Nissan Quest minivan, Armada full-size SUV, Nissan Titan truck and the Infiniti QX56 luxury SUV.

Nissan Pathfinder & Titan Main Reason For Soaring Nissan Sales in December 2004

Nissan Motor Co. announced that its U.S. car and truck sales rose 32.7 percent during December, led by strong sales of the Nissan Titan pick-up trucks and Nissan Pathfinder SUV's which more than doubled from December 2003. Car sales increased 15.7% to 44,629 vehicles, and truck sales soared 53.8% to 47,639 vehicles.

The Nissan Pathfinder and the Nissan Titan truck models led sales, with the Murano and Armada SUVs reporting strong results as well. Sales of the Nissan Quest SUV fell 18.6% to 3,206 vehicles. The Nissan Altima sedan is its best selling vehicle and surged to a 37% increase to 19,627 cars in December.

For December, total Nissan-brand sales rose 35.5% to 80,201 vehicles, while total Infiniti-brand sales irose 16.5% to 12,067 vehicles. For the entire 2004 year, the company reported that vehicle sales increased 23.7% to 985,988 units, with car sales rising 5.9% and truck sales soaring 54.9%.

All New Nissan Frontier Pick-Up Truck Released

Th all new Nissan Frontier pick-up truck has been released, and automotive industry insiders are expecting it to compete well against same class competitors including the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon, Dodge Dakota and the Toyota Tacoma. The Frontier looks to be moving away from the compact class and into the mid-size truck class. The new Nissan Frontier has a larger wheelbase by 9.8 inches.

The Frontier Crew Cab's rear cargo box now measures four feet long, while the King Cab measures in at just over six feet. The short pick-up bed includes built-in tracks and tie-downs, a spray-in bedliner as well as an optional cargo fence. Additional cargo space is available using the included factory Nissan Frontier roof rack system.

The Nissan Frontier Crew Cab's interior is well designed with safety equipment features that include active head restraints and both side and curtain air bags. A Nissan Altima four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine is standard in the base-trim King Cab. All other pick-ups include the 4.0-liter engine version of the Nissan's VQ V-6, which is also found in the new Nissan Pathfinder. These engines feature variable-valve timing with 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is included with a six-speed also available. Clocking in at 0 to 60 mph in just over eight seconds, the Frontier is the most powerful in the mid-size class, beating out the Dodge V-8 Dakotas.

Kubota Corp. Announces Recall of Kubota RTV900 Off-Road Utilility Vehicle

Kubota Corporation has recently announced it is recalling around 16,000 Kubota RTV900 off-road utility vehicles. The front hoods on the RTV900 utility vehicles have the potential to come off during normal operation and could strike the driver or passenger, possibly causing serious injury.

The RTV900 vehicles are four wheel, off-road vehicles with cargo boxes. The serial number range for the affected vehicles is 10001 - 25883. Kubota Authorized Kubota RTV900 dealers sold the vehicles from January through October with MSRP between $9,899 and $11,199. Owners of the affected models are urged to contact the nearest Kubota RTV900 dealer to schedule an appointment and have the hood inspected and, if necessary, replaced free of charge.